Are IndiGo and Air India Expanding UK Flights with Keir Starmer's Visit?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a bid to enhance air travel, IndiGo and Air India are expanding their services to the UK, coinciding with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit. This expansion promises to improve connectivity and meet the growing demand for international flights.
Key Takeaways
- IndiGo enhances Manchester flights starting November 15.
- Air India adds a fourth daily flight to London from October 26.
- Both carriers aim to improve India-UK connectivity.
- Significant capacity increases are expected for both airlines.
- The move aligns with ongoing discussions on the India-UK Air Services Agreement.
New Delhi, Oct 9 (NationPress) The budget airline IndiGo has declared an increase in its non-stop flights to Manchester, commencing November 15. Concurrently, Air India revealed the launch of a fourth daily flight from Delhi to London (Heathrow) starting on October 26.
These announcements come amidst British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's two-day visit to India, aimed at bolstering air connectivity between India and the United Kingdom.
During discussions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing connectivity and cooperation within the aviation industry. Both nations are actively negotiating the renewal of the India-UK Air Services Agreement, alongside other aviation-related concerns.
IndiGo plans to boost its Delhi-Manchester service from four to five weekly flights as of November 15. Additionally, the Mumbai-Manchester route will see an increase from three to four weekly flights starting November 17, translating to a 28% rise in non-stop capacity between India and Manchester. These routes will be serviced by IndiGo's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Furthermore, a new daily Mumbai-London (Heathrow) route will kick off on October 26.
For Air India, the additional flight elevates its frequency from 24 to 28 weekly flights for this winter, adding 1,196 seats each way per week between Delhi and London (Heathrow). All flights on this high-demand route are operated using the airline’s latest Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Air India also noted that it operates 61 weekly flights between India and the UK, providing 18,066 seats weekly in one direction, equating to nearly 1.7 million annual seats on these routes. The airline connects Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Amritsar to London (Heathrow), London (Gatwick), and Birmingham.
Point of View
I believe this expansion in flight services is a positive move toward strengthening ties between India and the UK. It reflects both nations' commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering economic relations through aviation.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What new routes are IndiGo and Air India launching?
IndiGo is increasing its flights to Manchester and Air India is adding a fourth daily service from Delhi to London (Heathrow).
When will these new flights start?
IndiGo's increased flights will commence on November 15, while Air India's new service will begin on October 26.
How many flights will Air India operate weekly to the UK?
Air India will operate 61 weekly flights between India and the UK.
Which aircraft will be used for these flights?
IndiGo will use Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, and Air India will operate with Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9.
What is the capacity increase for IndiGo's Manchester flights?
IndiGo's non-stop capacity to Manchester will increase by 28%.
